My story by Dr. Sebastian Liew

After graduating from the Singapore Polytechnic with a diploma in Engineering (1982), I pursued a corporate career in various multinational companies. Despite a relatively successful career in the corporate world, I felt a deep sense of discontentment. I could not handle the never-ending office politics. Working daily in the office was like going to war. I felt the emptiness in my heart had worsened over the years, so much so, I was on anti-depressants for some time. I finally got down on my knees and started praying for God's guidance and direction. "Surely, God does not want me to be in this situation. I don't think I want to live like this anymore." I had thought. 
 
 
I soon started to do research and took courses in various holistic therapies, such as spa therapy, reflexology, aromatherapy, touch therapy, and nutrition. Despite my passion and interest in these fields, I was not prepared to give up my full-time managerial position and a good salary. Besides, I was the sole breadwinner in my family. I needed to support the physical, financial, and emotional needs of my elderly parents then. How could I give up my lucrative job? 
 
After a period of part-time work in natural therapies, my decision to finally pursue a full-time career in natural medicine occurred in a spiritual moment. I was conducting massage training at a retreat on an organic farm in Malaysia. 
 
My turning point in life came after three days of eating organic plant foods and being surrounded by plants and herbs.  
 
 
Thanks to the farmer, I touched the plants, tasted the leaves and the flowers, and enjoyed their aroma – I could feel their healing vibrations.  
 
These vibrations seemed to uplift me, flooding my body with love, and opening my channels for the reception of the universal intelligence. They gave me inspiration, raised my consciousness, and brought me nearer to my soul, the secret chamber of peace.  
 
There was an indescribable joy that sprang from within me. It felt like a spring of water refreshing my heart.  
 
I felt I am not alone in my life’s struggles. I am a precious drop of water in an ocean. 

The calling from plants and the awareness of God's love for me was so strong that I shed tears during the sharing session with the participants and the organizers. 
After this spiritual awakening, I began my relentless journey to pursue plant medicine. All good things came my way, like meeting the right teachers, guides, and helping hands. I am very thankful for them.   
 
Through the years and still so, I try to work on myself, my weaknesses, my inner conflicts, etc., so that I can heal others. 
 
Since I started my practice, I have seen tremendous potential in treating diseases naturally with plant medicine and lifestyle changes. My role is to treat the whole person, not just symptoms. By the nature of the work, I support the individual's empowerment to take responsibility for their well-being and self-heal by activating their innate self-healing potential. The patient could see that their body has a self-healing power given by the Creator, and they also know the power of plants and nature.  
 
Thereby, they see transcendence and a deep connection with the universe. They realised that they are not alone in their life’s struggles. The integration of body, mind, soul, and nature sets the foundation for true healing and happiness.  
 
This work is my higher purpose. I believe this higher purpose is the major reason for my vitality, good health, and inner peace.  

My early years struggle

I went into business in late 1999 without the slightest clue whether it made business sense. It was only due to my passion. People were aware of traditional Chinese medicine but needed more awareness of phytotherapy or naturopathy in the 90s. The mainstream media was not very kind or receptive to complementary or alternative medicine. I had no budget for advertising and had only $10,000 left in my bank account.  
  
I nearly gave up my business after four years without an income. All my savings were gone. I would like to know whether I should return to the corporate world and earn a better income.  
  
During those early days, I would travel weekly to a Cathedral on Victoria Street to pray. Every time I would experience something to remind me to stay on – a new customer, a new project, and even a surprise part-time lecture job to pull me through.  
  
It is as if providence told me I had a mission to fulfil. I am supposed to learn the lessons in the path. True enough, I had a breakthrough in 2004, and my practice is financially and spiritually rewarding. 
  
What helps me? It is trust in God, in the universe, tremendous passion, and perseverance.  
   
My faith inspired me to build my business not as a money-making enterprise but as a 'ministry' to heal lives. For this reason, through the years, I did not focus on my sales revenue or profit but on how best I could help and support someone's condition and be of good service.